It's been years in the making and now some urban chicken enthusiasts can keep hens in their backyards legally.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The first release of a hen permit as approved under the City of Jacksonville's new ordinance was passed out Tuesday morning.

The event was held on the steps of the City St. James Building at 8 a.m. to distribute the first few two year permits to 300 participants in the pilot program. Jacksonville resident Lauren Trad is the official first hen permit holder.